God bless you all and thank you for visiting my Blog today. By the way, this is my 300th posting! My goodness, that's alot of news... and I look forward to posting more during the course of this year - on all the upcoming Family Movies, Christmas Movies, and Much Much More!!!

Thursday, February 25, 2010

I have, yet, to catch the new Disney Movie, Star Struck . I'm hoping I'll have a chance to do so soon. The movie originally premiered on Valentine's Day. I'm not certain if there's a love story involved, however, since it is Disney, I'm expecting it to be a "G" rated Family Film.

I'm not certain if this would be considered a Christmas Movie, however, it is a Movie that has a Christmas Scene in it. It's a deeply moving film - I thought you might like to watch...

February 26, 2010 Friday

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn ... FMC ... 6 AM - 8:30 AM

(FMC - Fox Movie Channel)

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is such a precious story of a little girl and her family who live in an apartment building in Brooklyn, New York. Money is tight and times are tough, but the family endures. It's an interesting and sad story, too, of love and sacrifice. Young Children would not be entertained, most likely, with this movie. It's a lot like How Green Was My Valley or I Remember Mama. It's an inspiring, tear-jerking, and thought provoking story. I hope you will be able to watch it.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

It has been so exciting to watch our American Athletes in these 2010 Winter Olympic Games. It's always so interesting to observe the medal ceremonies and watch how the athletes respond to their flag and anthem.

When it comes to the Medal Ceremony - I look for 3 main things:

1. Those who Sing the Anthem (please don't chew gum)
2. Removal of the Hat (show respect - no laughing or waving during anthem)
3. Placing Hand over One's Heart

1. ) I always think it is so sweet when they quietly sing along... Julia Mancuso, the Tiara wearing skier, sang quietly from the Silver Medal Podium when Linsey Vonn won Gold for the US.

2. ) Removal of the hat is a must... I was so glad to see Bode Miller remove his - even though I think he wondered if his hair was a mess - he quickly stroked his hand through it, enjoyed the anthem, and immediately put his hat back on afterwards. (I do wish he had put his hand on his heart, though.)

3. ) I appreciate when athletes place their hand respectably across their hearts - to me that shows respect and honor for our Great Country, the United States of America, and our Troops, past and present.

I remember clearly Evan Lysacek doing this very honorably. Plus, I feel he has handled well all the criticism that has come his way from the Silver Medalist, Evgeni Plushenko, who returned to this Olympics, unsuccessfully this time around, to re-win a Gold Medal.

My favorite Olympic Event has always been the Ice Skating. I don't know why I enjoy a sport that has to do with Judges. Other sports that deal with time and measurements must be so much fairer.

Tonight (Tuesday) the Ladies take the Ice...

My prayers go out to the Canadian figure skating star, Joannie Rochette, whose Mother passed away on Sunday of a heart attack at the age of 55, shortly after arriving in Vancouver. Somehow, Joannie, will still compete in these olympic games and perform her first program tonight, two days after her Mother's unexpected death.

I look forward to watching her and our American Girls compete in figure skating... Tonight.

A woman’s dream to forge a new life for herself on the great American plains becomes a test of her pioneering spirit, her inner strength, and her undying faith.

By covered wagon, Marty (Katherine Heigl, Roswell) and Aaron Calridge (Oliver Macready, That '70s Show) have come west in search of fortune. But unforeseen tragedy leaves Marty a widow facing bleak prospects for the future. With a bitter winter season approaching and no safe passage back home, she finds herself stranded yet befriended by settlers Ben Graham (Golden Globe nominee Corbin Bernsen, L.A. Law) and his wife Sarah (Theresa Russell, Black Widow). They encourage her to take up widower Clark Davis (Dale Midkiff, Nancy Drew) on his unusual offer—join him in a temporary marriage of convenience. Marty will have a roof over her head until the spring thaw when she can return home. In the meantime, Clark’s nine-year-old daughter Missie (Skye McCole Bartusiak, Don't Say a Word) will have a teacher.

As promised, the arrangement is strictly business. However, teaching Missie, who’s still grieving for her mother, becomes as challenging as living with Clark, a man cut off from his emotions. For three people, each mourning someone they’ve lost, comfort comes from sharing their pain and hardships. But is it enough to make two lonely hearts recognize what they really need and want? As the seasons pass, and Marty gets closer to the day of her departure, she finally discovers the meaning of courage, her inner faith, a love she never thought possible, and the bittersweet truth in her friend Sarah’s sage advice: Bloom where you’re planted.

Based on Janette Oke’s cherished best-selling series of books, and written and directed by Michael Landon, Jr., this inspiring love story of a more innocent time is illuminated by the same warmth and wisdom that made Little House on the Prairie such enduring family entertainment.

Movie Review:

Such a precious story of the Lord's Amazing Love.

This is an absolutely wonderful Family Movie completely based upon the Christian Book Series by Janette Oke. My precious Aunt gave this book to me many years ago as a Christmas Present... long before the Hallmark Channel or any ideas of it being made into a movie. I absolutely adored it and longed to read each book in the series that followed Clark and Marty Davis's family.

This first movie, Love Comes Softly, is the only one that follows along with the storyline of the books. This was disappointing to me, as an avid reader and follower of this particular series that the other movies didn't follow suit.

You will find yourself completely captivated in this western love story of Clark and Marty Davis. Marty has come west with her husband, Aaron Claridge, and upon arriving, he is involved in a fatal accident on his horse. Marty will not be able to go back home to the east now until the wagon train returns in the spring. So with the long winter ahead and all alone, Marty has no options other than to accept Clark Davis's offer of marriage and live with him and his daughter throughout the winter. At first, Marty and Clark's daughter, Missie butt heads and disagree over just about everything... but eventually they warm up to one another with small acts of kindness. Marty realizes that she and Missie are both grieving, Marty for her husband and Missie for her Mother. This emotional tie bonds them together. Marty teaches Missie to spell and read and sews her a lovely dress made out of one of her own. It's such a touching scene.

Through the winter months, Clark & Marty draw together and certainly Love Comes Softly... but neither one is willing to admit it to the other. Clark has promised that he would buy Marty's ticket back on the wagonn train when the time comes, and when it does, Marty secretly sends a note to Clark asking him to ask her to stay. When Clark does not ask her to stay, Marty thinks he doesn't want her, so she proceeds with her plans to leave. At the station, they tearfully say goodbye and Marty gives her Mother's locket to Missie.

After Marty is gone, Clark and Missie are solemn. Clark goes to his room to pray and falls to his knees. When he finishes, he discovers Marty's note on the floor... and realizes he has to go after her. Will he reach her in time? Will she choose to return? You will love to watch this movie to see how beautifully it ends.

The casting in it is just wonderful. I just loved Katherine Heigl as Marty Claridge, Dale Midkiff as Clark Davis, and the little girl who played Missie Davis, Skye McCole Bartusiak, was absolutely fantastic!

It's a story Men, Women, and Children will enjoy.... a true Family Film.

A pioneering clan struggles to stay together—for the family, for the land, and for the promise of the future—amid life’s adversities…

With few alternatives, pioneer widow Marty Claridge (Katherine Heigl, Roswell) took up with Clark Davis (Dale Midkiff, Nancy Drew), a tough widower with a daughter named Missie(January Jones, Love Actually). What began as a relationship that was strictly business led unexpectedly to deep compassion and respect. Now they have a farm to tend, a family to feed, and a lot of love to give. However, the new season is bringing unexpected surprises and hardships since an accident has left Clark incapacitated. Facing the risk of losing their crop, Marty and the kids pull together. But for nineteen-year-old Missie, life is offering something else as she discovers a new beginning of her own…

Two new suitors are vying for the attention of the lovely young schoolteacher: handsome Grant Thomas (Mackenzie Astin, The Facts of Life), a railroad man surveying the land, and Nate (Logan Bartholomew, American Wedding), a mysterious traveler who’s been tending to Clark’s medical needs as well as his farm. Little does Clark realize, but he’s become a link between this enigmatic stranger and an old friend named Zeke, who harbors a dark secret that has shadowed his life. As Nate’s true identity and mission are revealed, so is his deep affection for Missie.

Based on award-winning author Janette Oke’s beloved series of bestselling books and directed by Michael Landon, Jr. (Love Comes Softly), Love’s Enduring Promise is heartening and inspiring entertainment for the entire family.

Movie Review:

Love's Enduring Promise is my favorite of all the Love Comes Softly Movies. I just adore the love story of Missie and Willie, portrayed by the lovely January Jones and very handsome Logan Bartholomew.

From the start, it's a very sweet story of a family who loves and cares for one another. When Clark's leg is injured in an accident, the family comes together and works hard to try and get the crops in the ground, even though this is hard work for a young woman, like Missie. Willie sees her struggling and comes to the rescue by helping out with the farmwork. Secretly, he has really returned to their town to make amends with his father over their past differences.

In the meantime, Willie and Missie become good friends while working on the farm and riding together, however at this same time, a suitor, Grant Thomas, comes to call on Missie. She enjoys his attention and considers the possibility of becoming his wife. Willie is heartbroken and decides he will leave town when he believes Missie and Grant will be married. Before he leaves, he reveals to Missie his true identity as Nate, the little boy who used to tease her in school when they were children. He even returns to her some ribbons that he had kept from many years ago. That is such a sweet moment.

Now, Missie has to decide who she loves and wants to spend the rest of her life with... Grant Thomas, a rich railroad man, who tells her that she will never have to work or want for anything... Or, will she choose Willie Lahaye, the young man who has nothing but a dream of a Cattle Farm. Missie's father advises her "to never despise meager beginnings..."

It's truly a very sweet and precious Love story. Love beyond the romantic sense... Love of God and Love of Family, as well.

A headstrong prairie teacher follows her husband’s dream to forge West and set down new roots in this inspiring continuation of Janette Oke’s beloved bestselling books.

After two years of marriage, and with a child on the way, Missie (Erin Cottrell, Little House on the Prairie Movie Mini-series) and Willie LaHaye (Logan Bartholomew, Love’s Enduring Promise) part with family ties to start a new life and new family of their own. As part of a wagon train heading west across beautiful, desolate country, their summer trek begins. The “start-up” settler’s town of Tettsford Junction is where it ends—a spread of buffalo trails, make-shift shops, and a half-finished railroad line. Missie hopes to continue her teaching. Willie dreams of prosperity as a cattle rancher. Together, they claim a sixty-acre homestead that families before them have struggled with, and abandoned. For a God-fearing couple with patience and passion, and a lot of faith, it’s a golden opportunity.

Burying their small fortune on their new land, stocking up on supplies from Barbara (Diane Salinger, Carnivale) and Frank Taylorson (Stephen Bridewater, 21 Grams)—a couple with stock in all of Tettsford’s stores—and readying a bare-as-bones house and a barn, the LaHayes are on their way. As Missie makes an invaluable friend in a Shoshone named Miriam (Golden Globe nominee Irene Bedard, Lakota Woman), Willie hires Cookie (Frank McRae, Houdini), an aging and restless cowboy who travels with his own stove—a luxury that the LaHaye’s find invaluable. But for all their perseverance and prayer, forging a new life in a new world becomes a test of faith and fortitude that pushes their endurance, as violent unrest in the outlying foothills threatens the peace of Tettsford Junction and Missie and Willie’s future.

Adapted by Michael Landon, Jr. (Love Comes Softy, Love’s Enduring Promise), Love’s Long Journey carries a genuine message of hope that the whole family will cherish.

Movie Review:

This is another cherished movie in the Love Comes Softly Series. It's so nice to see a young married couple start their lives together and work with one another while struggling to make it on the wild frontier.

Each of these stories are beautiful and touching. God's faithfulness and love are shown throughout the movie - whether it was in Willie's selection of Ranch Hands or in Missie finding a friend in the Indian Woman, Miriam, who promises to be there for Missie when the time comes for her to deliver her baby.

Missie is a caring, nurturing woman, and also a bit of a tomboy, due to growing up as a little girl with a single father who taught her how to shoot and ride and take care of the farm. She isn't so good in the kitchen, however, until one of the Ranch Hands, an older cowhand named Cookie, teaches her how to cook. Missie's toughness is a great asset for her living out in the wild prairie and dealing with rough characters. However, her caring nature is needed when she and Willie befriend a young boy, Jeff, who has no parents, and only a brother, Sonny, who chooses to associate with the wrong crowd.

Willie and Missie have to deal with a lot of troubles out on the prairie, but they share a beautiful Christmas all together, until it is disrupted by robbers (Jeff's brother, Sonny, is one of them) who threaten to not only hurt them, but to take all of their live's savings. There ends up being a struggle and Sonny is shot. This, of course, is such a sad moment in the movie. Willie and Missie make a promise to raise and care for the young boy, Jeff.

If you are looking for a good family film, then this series is it. There is always such good values and great faith in the Lord to learn in each. I would highly recommend this movie for any fan of Little House on the Prairie, Christy, or Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman.
It is very touching when Missie quotes from the Bible at the end of the Movie, "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven."

From Janette Oke's award-winning, bestselling series comes the inspiring new chapter in the life of one family's unyielding perseverance and struggle, and the tragedy that tests their abiding faith.

Missie (Erin Cottrell, Carloine in Little House on the Prairie Movie Mini-series) and Willie LeHaye (Logan Bartholomew, Love's Enduring Promise) have put down roots and raised a fine family in a homestead in the far West. While Missie fulfills her ambition for teaching twelve eager students, fours days a week, Willie tends to their youngest daughter Kathy, and with the help of his sons Jeff and Matthew, keeps their growing ranch as stable and prosperous as he can. Best of all, with a frontier railroad now coming through town, Missie's father, Clark Davis (Dale Midkiff, Nancy Drew), makes good on his promise for a long-awaited visit. But the joy that comes with the family reunion is shattered by the sudden passing of their beloved daughter, Kathy, a tragedy that marks a turning point in the lives of the LaHayes.

As an emotional wedge gradually comes between Missie and Willie, the grieving father makes a drastic change in his career. Without consulting Missie, Willie accepts the offer made by arrogant local moneyman, Samuel Doros (John Laughlin, The Rock), who also owns the school, to act as the town's newly appointed sheriff. It's a job that has its own share of dangers that will affect Willie's son Jeff, (Drew Tyler Bell, The Bold and the Beautiful) who falls for Doros's daughter Colette (Mae Whitman, JAG). Through grief, heartache, first love, and second chances, the LaHayes discover the only thing they really need is the one thing they'll never lose - faith and the enduring bond of family.

Janette Oke's cherished series of novels has warmed the hearts of millions. Now share her vision of inspiration in Love's Abiding Joy.

Movie Review:

While it was good to see all the same beloved characters: Clark, Missie, & Willie... the storyline itself was so deeply sad. The loss of their baby girl, understandably, brings a great depression and dark mood over Missie. It takes a great deal of time, compassion, and love to see her through it, and Willie, her husband, is steadfast, patient, caring, and kind... while also dealing with his sadness over the loss of their daughter.

The highlight of this movie, in my opinion, is the forbidden love of Willie and Missie's son, Jeff with Collette. In spite of her father, doing his best to keep them apart, they meet each other secretly, and True Love Conquers All!

Erin Cottrell and Dale Midkiff reprise the roles of Missie LaHaye and her father Clark Davis in the fifth installment of Janette Oke's inspirational and best selling Love Comes Softly series.

Two years after the death of her husband, Missie knows that it is time to move on. She heads home with her son to be near her parents and to return to teaching. Certain she will never find love again. Missie redirects her feelings and when the "orphan train" arrives in town, she adopts Belinda, a feisty young teenager who's arrived with a secret. As Missie struggles with raising Belinda, she finds she is falling for the local sheriff who might be the only man who can help her save Belinda....and herself.

Movie Review:

I think there are mixed reviews on this one for two main reasons.

#1 - the storyline of the movie does not follow the storyline of the book it's supposed to be based on, written by Christian Author, Janette Oke.

#2 - Many are disappointed that Missie's husband, Willie Lahaye, was killed. He was a great addition to this series - arriving in the second movie. Having him exit, as he did in the 5th Movie seemed cruel and wrong to Love Comes Softly Movie fans. Myself, included!

If you saw this movie without reading the book or seeing the other movies- I could imagine one enjoying it much more. However, if you saw the rest of the Love Comes Softly Series, then I'm certain... you won't want to miss this one!

Missie's character is very strong. She moves back home to be with her family, yet she takes on great responsibilities by helping the orphan children and teaching school, again. Missie gradually learns to open her heart again and fall in love with the very handsome Sheriff, Zach Tyler.

See or Skip:

See, but there are some rough moments... a Shooting & Death, some Orphan Children are mistreated, etc...

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Movie Review forICE DREAMS - Nicky, the ex-Olympian and barely getting by Waitress, finds herself back at the ice rink more and more, inspite of her avoiding it publicly in the past due to her own past issues. She learns to deal with... (click here for entire Movie Review)

A Hallmark Movie Channel Original Movie about a serious accident that leaves a champion horseback rider paralyzed. The movie tells the story of the young rider’s indomitable spirit as she fights to walk again, and the response she gets from her family and friends as she makes her incredible journey.

Twenty-two year old,Jenna Danville (Andrea Bowen), is a competitive and disciplined jumper who with her horse, Bentley, is preparing to compete in the Virgina Grand Prix jump-off when a terrible fall results in her being paralyzed from the waist down.

Her father, Phillip Danville (Greg Evigan), has always supported her in every way and is there for her after her fall as she enters into an intense physical therapy program as part of a research study, with no guarantee of success.

Also there by her side, at least at first, is her best friend, Heather Banks (Alicia Ziegler). But when Jenna doesn’t recover quickly, Heather has trouble relating to her friend and disappears. Wheelchair bound, Jenna's life completely changes as she starts the program, her old friends and boyfriend distance themselves. Lonely and frustrated, Jenna comes close to giving up.

Then, she meets Annie (Fiona Dourif), a rough around the edges “goth” punk rock patient in her therapy class, who is also paralyzed with a bad attitude. The two girls become friends as Jenna begins to crack Annie's tough exterior. Jenna also meets her new next-door neighbor, ex-rodeo cowboy and veterinarian, Will Dutton (Rick Malambri), who encourages her to get back on her horse, and helps her saddle up. Just as Jenna is beginning to feel her feet, and fall in love with Will, she learns Annie is in more trouble than anyone could have guessed. Suddenly, Jenna must risk her own life to save her friend, and teach herself healing takes one step at a time.

ABOUT ME

Hello Blog Friends & Followers! My Nickname is Net and more than Anything, I love my Savior, Jesus, and my precious Family! It's my joy to share and review Movies here on this Blog ~ that the entire Family can watch together on TV! Thank YOU so much for stopping by, Please leave a Comment... I enjoy hearing from You! ~ Net

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